CL on US TV - only on ESPN Deportes?

Setanta Sport will also have closed-circuit coverage of certain teams, especially English, Scottish and other ethnically targeted teams. Check your favorite pub.

ESPN Deportes will be the in-home outlet, mostly showing Italian/Spanish teams live and other games delayed.

 

Better than what we get now.

I understand Spanish, but not when it's spoken at 300 MPH , so I'm in the same boat as most everyone else, but do we really need to be told what's going on? A Spanish-speaking announcer is still going to say "David Beckham", so we can understand that much at least. But he might also say "RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRonaldo or RRRRRRRRRRRRaul!". That might be fun.

I wouldn't pay Setanta 20 bucks a pop for CL games. Bad enough I'm forking out for Euro 2004.

 

I speak Spanish so the language barrier doesn't affect me, but I still don't think its right what ESPN is doing. They are assuming that soccer fans in the United States primarily consist of Spanish-speakers ("Hispanics") and therefore leave it at that. What about all those Americans who don't speak Spanish and enjoy watching international soccer? What about all the other internationals in America who don't speak Spanish and would like to watch global soccer while understanding the commentary? After all, this scam channel, ESPNDeportes, will be viewed in America right? Latin-American countries already have ESPN Spanish-speaking channels (ESPN-Latin America, ESPN Dos) to watch so its obviously not for them. It makes no sense whatsoever, and it reflects racial stereotypes. Do you think in Mexico they show NFL games in English over there? Do you think Germany shows NBA games in English over there? Do you think Japan shows MLB games in English over there? No, no, and no. They show international sports in their native languages, DESPITE having many English-speakers in their countries who favor those sports.

And by the way, as far as in ESPN sublicensing to Setanta Sports for local viewing of some of these international soccer competitions... I read an article that UEFA was upset by ESPN's move because according to UEFA it wasn't part of their contract and therefore illegal. But ESPN responded saying they would go to court if need be to defend their actions. I can't find that article now, but I sure hope this makes UEFA realize what a snake ESPN is, and not sell their TV rights of CL to ESPN ever again.

 

I am curious to see if anyone would like to start a petition politely asking ESPN to keep albiet it's brief CL coverage on ESPN 2. If enough people will agree to it. I'll start a petition at home and hopefully this will work!

 

While this would be disappointing (I don't speak any Spanish), if we in exchange got MORE CL matches on ESPN Deportes, I think the trade might be worth it.

Having lived in SoCal back before the proliferation of Spanish networks in the rest of the country, I am used to watching majour tournaments in spanish. Most recently, 2001 Copa America. I watched African Nations Cup on French TV5.

I would sign a petition though.

If ESPN already has the rights (and English commentators for the rest of the world), how can it be that hard to simply air it here. I would understand if they were completely dropping coverage worldwide b/c rights are too expensive.

 

Whether it's ESPN 2 or ESPN Deportes, Champions League doesn't sell ads or subscriptions. The audience is about 30-50,000 less than MLS, which is already a low number. And the audience isn't a specific demographic as EPL on FSW is (mostly English and Irish ex-patriates), which is why none of the official sponsors buy ads (which are the only ones who can according to UEFA rules).

ESPN Deportes will basically be a tax write-off and they will hope to attract Mexican and other Latino viewers with lots of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and AC Milan. But ESPN Deportes really needs Mexican League or Copa Libertadores, neither of which it has access to.

ESPN will try to make some money (since the product doesn't sell ads) by selling English-language rights to Setanta Sport which should be legal since they are the "distributor." They must air a match on some non-PPV channel each matchday (that requirement is easily met on ESPN Deportes), and nothing specifically says they can't sell closed-circuit PPV rights. In-home PPV won't work or else you would see EPL games on PPV in midweek too.

Setanta will make their usual revenue from bars, especially EPL and Celtic/Rangers Supporters Clubs, while ESPN makes money from Latin America and less so Oceania (the main markets, the US/Canadian TV rights cost very little), plus sublicensing to TSN, RDS, and TLN in Canada. Everyone ends up making money and that's what matters.

Remember, Champions League was set up to make money for the participating clubs. If you aren't willing to pay Setanta to see the games in English or ESPN Deportes in Spanish (when it becomes available on most major providers), then you can't watch. FSW Report and Sky Sports News show some highlights and post-match interviews.

 

I agree with somebody in this forum saying that better CL in Spanish than no CL at all!! However I really think that doing so really puts a racial dimension to the whole issue of soccer in USA. How about all numerous English speaking americans I have met who really like soccer? How about non-Spanish speaking immigrants from Europe or Africa who are born with soccer, but regret to leave it back when coming to USA?? Moreover, I can't really take for serious the declarations of some officials here in USA who say that they want to promote soccer, while with their actions they really mean that this is the sport of hispanics only (with all due respect) and not an american one.

I wish somebody out there in USA, all the soccer fans from all ethnic groups and races can raise their voice and make it heard, at least for the TV rights, let alone other more important issues of soccer development and promotion in USA. It is so unfortunate that in the land of the free, I pay so much money, and still cannot watch a large part of my game: FOOTBALL!!!

 

I think you all need to understand that Television is a business industry and is not some public service. ESPN is a business and it caters to its shareholders (although not very well since Eisner focks it up everywhere else). If CL on ESPN2 got better ratings it would continue to show it and it would even consider increasing the coverage. ESPN really wants to see soccer blow up in the US - it's another sport for it to cover and it already has relationships with SUM and the people who handle CL rights (some intermediary besides Uefa).

The problem for ESPN as far as CL goes is the timing of CL matches. They are at 2:30 on the East Coast and 11:30 on the west coast. Neither slot is worth sacrificing that much ad time. The American TV industry is built on advertising - if ads can't be sold - then it's a problem with the programming being shown between the ads.

Give your feedback to ESPN. The more they hear about your dissapointment, the better they'll be able to justify showing soccer. Also, call your local cable co. and tell them you want ESPN Deportes. Cable companies don't know what consumers want unless consumers tell them. Take some action and get a result.

 

Guys! Who cares what language the games would be in?? I mean really! As if announcers like Max Bretos, Tommy Smyth or those awful ESPN guys that do MLS matches add anything to the games at all! You don't think you'll be listening to Ian Crocker if the CL games were in English, do you??

 

hello guys, I'm petty new to this forum but I'm big Fan of soccer..
some of you mentioned earlier that people immigrants from Europe and Africa in the US will find it hard and very dissapointful...that is True, my native language is neither english nor spanish, but I don't have any problem watching a game even with a japanese documentary..Soccer is my language, and i don't need a commentator to guide me watching the game. I think it will be nice if we get ESPN Desportes cauze spanish media are more various than the british ones...as you know, Calcio , Liga And Premier League are the best, I can only watch the last one on FSW, but Calcio , Liga, Chapion's league don't get enough importance.

 

Well said - and welcome to Bigsoccer.

 

Actually I like Max Bretos. He may not be the most knowledgable football commentator around, but he IS enthusiastic and he can be witty. The ESPN clowns, I agree, UGH. Tommy Smyth would be fun to have a few pints with, but he doesn't bring anything except his accent to the table. The guys who cover the USA men's team are the worst, and they are the only ones that actually go to the overseas games! The CL guys do the commentary from Bristol. Ack.

Some good news: I understand that GolTV's exclusive deal with Dish Network expires this summer, and I have read rumors that they will be trying to get on as many cable/satellite systems as they can. Another rumor is that they are actually profitable. They have Serie A and La Liga, and I'm pretty sure that their Serie A coverage is in English. I have heard English commentary in the background when FSW does their Serie A highlights.

Seems like the whole North American rights situation is a big clusterF, except the EPL. Setanta is evil incarnate, and ESPN just isn't interested. I e-mailed ESPN about their CL coverage, or lack thereof, and my reply was a link to a void that couldn't care less. DirecTV was a bit more hopeful; they said they don't comment on future developments (ESPN Deportes, GolTV) until there is something definite to announce, but they did say that they are always looking to add quality programming that people want to see, so stay tuned.

I would think that clubs like Real Madrid that make the effort to tour over here would take an interest in seeing that we can see their matches on television. More money for "galacticos".

I am hopeful that soon we will have more European coverage over here, someway, somehow.

 

There really aren't that many non-Hispanic Americans who are interested in soccer. Think of it this way, BigSoccer has some 20,000 members. Assuming all of them are active and unique (no sockpuppets), and assuming further that all of them are American and interested in CL soccer, you're talking about a rating so small it can't be measured.

You would need something close to 100 times the number (2,000,000) viewers before you could convince ESPN to show more soccer. Remember, ESPN used to show two CL matchdays per week, La Liga and Latin Futbol Weekly. All of those programs faded because of low, low ratings.

Sachin

 

ESPN are a bunch of cowards. I e-mailed them several times asking reasons why BASS fishing and Pool is more popular than Champions League and why they cant show more games. The one time they replied to me they gave me a dumbass excuse "we tried and no one watched". As if bass fishing and pool attract millions of viewers. IT's a case of ****************!

 

I don't get to watch the games because they are on at 1 or 2 oclock my time...and by 3 o clock the games down and i come home from school...it would be nice to have re runs or something during the evening because i know a lot more peopl ( who go to school) will want to watch these games

 

Regardless of why they are discontinuing coverage (I realize they can sell advertising slots during bass fishing), that was very unprofessional of ESPN to say, "we tried and no one watched". Pathetic. I would expect better from a network that proclaims itself to be the world-wide leader in sports.

I'd like to point out that SkySports did telecast the American NFL Super Bowl.

I believe it is simply that there is no appreciation for anything that's not American in the US.

 

Watching me fishing is not a bad idea I would think
Anyway, I would really like answers to these questions:
- Does Bass fishing really get more audience than Real/Bayern game?
- How much money can a sponsor pay to ESPN for us to watch 2 old men shoot down a deer in a forest?
- Can we get a petition here asking ESPN for more CL coverage on it's regular network or simply make ESPN Deportes more affordable to cable/satellite?
(http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Feb-20-Fri-2004/sports/23263654.html)
- At the very least can we get ESPN show reruns of CL games later in the evening?
- Is there any chance that FSW can get the rights to CL for N. America next time?
- One clown spoke of getting a DBS to watch more CL games. Can he provide more info on this?

 

They did try and nobody watched. What can you do after a while? Eventually you look at the cumulative losses over the years and you realize how much money you threw away (easily millions on soccer, especially that $40 million utterly BURNED on the 1998 World Cup). The NHL could well hear the same thing this summer.

Why do you think Sky Sports and Channel 5 in the UK show the Super Bowl? They a) broadcast the games throughout the season, b) it's in the overnight (mostly) so it makes no less sense financially than anything else you could air, c) the rights are undoubtedly CHEAP and there are plenty of other reasons.

Yes, Americans don't like competititions that aren't their own, except for Mexican Soccer and to a much smaller degree, Formula One. If people choose not to watch something, it's a free country. That's their choice. And if it's what the majority of people choose to do, then sorry, you might be out of luck.

 

But you need to realize that ESPN recently renewed it's rights to the broadcast in N. America. That's where the issue is. All we're asking them is to make CL more available since they bought the EXCLUSIVE rights otherwise, make ESPN Deportes more affordable to satellite and cable! If sky sports had this contract, don't you think they'll be doing a better job here?

 

That's quite possible.

Probably more than Bayern/Real Madrid

What's more affordable? If you want more affordable sports to watch, why not switch to baseball instead? it's on OTA TV. Why do you have to stay with a niche sport in the USA. Remember, you don't live in Europe anymore.

Get ESPN Deportes. There are lots of reruns of CL games later in the evening, as well as days after the games.

Has it occured to you that Fox Sports International are not interested in the CL? Since the inception of bigsoccer and the whining of lack of CL on ESPN2, the CL contracted has been renewed by ESPN International a couple times, with Fox Sports International nowhere to be seen...

If you want people to give you information for your benefit, at least be more polite. "Clown"?

Even if I know how to do it, I wouldn't have told you. Good that you can't get any more CL telecasts here and whine non-stop. You deserve this...

 

Why not? ESPN is making good money for this exclusive contract. Do you think showing games on ESPN1/2 is the only way for ESPN to make money?

Why is ESPN making a profit an issue to you?

CL is widely available. The fact that you don't get the games is your problem, not theirs. Since you live in L.A., which is a stronghold for ESPN Deportes, what's your excuse of living in an area where the cable company doesn't carry ESPN Deportes? I mean, if I were you, I would have moved immediately to an area that has Deportes. There is absolutely no reason for you to whine here. Think about the people living in Idaho/Montana/Nebraska, where they don't carry ESPN Deportes...

Again, what is more "affordable"?

Of course, because Sky sports is in the U.K., where Champions League is big. Think about this, Sky Sports has the NBA contract in the U.K., why don't they show more NBA in the U.K.? News Corp's ESPN Asia also has the NBA contract, but the showing of NBA playoffs in Asia is dismal. I mean, they aren't going to show any games this coming weekend. What's the point of buying the exclusive contract if they aren't going to show any games?

News Corp (i.e. Fox Sports World's parent company) sucks!!! They are anti-sports!!!

 

I wish some folks here will simply appologize for earlier comments made in other threads.
By the way, I don't think it hurts to be the voice of the voiceless.
In anycase, if ESPN is out for the money through a means that screws us too, that is simply not fair. But then again, it's business. I would like to call on someone here to open a petition, then we'll see how far it can go.
I recall COX had a tough time getting a deal with ESPN, until they had to get their customers involved as well. I think the pressure helps. For a company to call themselves a worldwide leader in sports, but would rather show fishing instead of a real CL match for English speaking soccer fans in US is simply ridiculous!
I've sent tonnes of emails to time warner about this issue. Hopefully, they get Deportes! I've also sent many emails to ESPN. Hopefully they reduce their pricing so it doesn't affect us viewers too much at the end.
For those running their mouth randomly as they watch matches ILLEGALLY, do us all a favor and shove your illegal box where it belongs.

 

I wish the whiners here simply disappear. This group doesn't need a just-landed foreigner whining non-stop and tell Americans how things should be done in the U.S.A. I mean, this folk should really apologize for his whinings made in other threads. I am not even asking for simple thanks for giving him a pointer where to watch the 1st leg of Bayern x Real Madrid in Los Angeles. I mean, this kind of people really suck.

For someone who tries to tell Americans how to do things, he should at least know the meaning of "worldwide leader of sports". I mean, someone who think "worldwide leader of sports" == "leader of worldwide sports", he really should go back to remedial reading...

I mean, ESPN is really the worldwide leader in sports. In every region in the world, they have a strong presence by customizing their content to local interests. Yet some ignorants think that "worldwide leader in sports" == you must televise a certain global sport in every region in the world. Pray tell. How come I don't see any NBA playoffs in Asia? one game per week? that's lame.

For those uninformative: a grey market DBS is legal in the U.S. There is no law in the U.S. prohibiting her citizens from subscribing foreign TV service, as opposed to Canadian law...

 

My attempt:

1) It really wouldn't surprise me. Fishing is a huge participation sport in the US, and soccer, even the best, isn't a part of the mass culture here at this time.

2) Given that it's a huge participation sport, it's not hard for them to get equipment (rods, reels, lures, etc.) and boat manufactures... and engine makers, etc. to sign on. From ESPN's perspective, that's the appeal of fishing in the afternoon (when, incidently, I would bet a higher proportion of retirees, and not the soccer demographic, are able to watch TV)

Just a pointer: when you Email again and again after already receiving an answer, chances are they've just arranged their server so that everything you send them goes straight to the trash. You got a response, which is better than most. Don't expect a lengthy correspondence to develop.